Uncle Shepherd looked instantly shocked when he heard what Marmalade said. "This... is this for real?"
"It's real!" Marmalade nodded solemnly. "Absolutely true! My uncles are on their way over right now."
Uncle Shepherd grew angry as well. "How could your dad do this? What was he thinking!"
Marmalade pleaded, "Uncle Shepherd, my mom poured her heart and soul into this house. She spent most of her life here. Please, I'm begging you, don't sell it yet."
"Okay!" Uncle Shepherd agreed at once. "I won't sell it! I'll keep it for you!"
"Thank you, Uncle Shepherd!" Marmalade bowed gratefully.
Uncle Shepherd quickly helped her up. "Jolie, if there's anything I can do to help, you just say the word. I'll do it."
"Okay. I'll be going then, Uncle." Marmalade left for home with her friends.
She had moved here when she was in kindergarten. Back then, the house had no decent furniture; Lily Crowe had added everything later, piece by piece.
